Ferocactus histrix
Ferocactus histrix
Safety & Hazards
None known
Cultivation Details
Ferocactus histrix is a plant of arid and semi-arid regions of central Mexico, where it is known to tolerate short periods with temperatures dipping a little below 0°c[1]. However, it requires hot summers and a dry climate if it is to flourish. The Mexican Authorities have taken steps to reduce the impacts of over-collection on the wild population. The species is protected by law, and the candy made from the stems may only be sold commercially if it is from certified cultivated plants. There is also a commercial substitute available for making similar candy and this may help to reduce the pressure on the wild population[2]. This was one of the most abundant barrel cactus species, however, the population is suspected to be in serious decline due to over-exploitation and the current population size is unknown. In addition to the direct exploitation, goats and cattle degrade the restricted microhabitats reducing the germination and establishment of plants. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the population size, in particular in overgrazed areas. The density of the plant is also reduced up to one-third in disturbed sites compared to more pristine-adjacent sites[2]. The development of an adult plant from seed takes decades, but a much faster growth can be achieved with stems produced by branching when the apical meristem is disturbed[2].
Propagation
Seed - Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Ferocactus+histrix>
Pollinators
Bees
References
- [1]Desert Tropicals — http://www.desert-tropicals.com/ ↩︎The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
- [2]IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — http://www.iucnredlist.org/ ↩︎A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
- [3]The Cactus Family — Anderson E.F. · Timber Press; Portland, Oregon · 2001 · ISBN 0-88192-498-9 ↩︎An excellent work, giving botanical descriptions of virtually all the cacti, together with their range (but not their habitats) and sometimes also a photo. it also contains a long chapter detailing the many uses of cacti and another on cultivation..
- [4]Ajo Peak to Tinajas Altas: A flora in southwestern Arizona. Part 7. Eudicots: Cactaceae - Cactus Family — Felger R.S. et al · 2014 · ISBN 2153 733X ↩︎
- [5]Cacti Biology and Uses — Nobel, Park S. (Editor) · University of California Press; Berkeley, California · 2002 · ISBN 0-520-23157-0 ↩︎A lot of information about the uses and cultivation of Cacti native to central Mexico
- [6]Trees and Shrubs of Mexico — Standley P.C. · Smithsonian Institution; Washington · 1926 ↩︎Although dated, it contains a wealth of information on the trees and shrubs of Mexico, including many of their uses. It can be downloaded from the Internet.